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Naomy Chepngeno

945

Bold Points

2x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

I am a first-semester senior at Wesleyan University, studying computer science with an intent to pursue a career in software engineering after graduation. My commitment extends beyond academics to significant involvement in promoting social justice and inclusivity. I have actively participated in the Wesleyan First Generation Low-Income Advisory Board and served as a Socio-economic and Disabilities Intern at the Wesleyan Resource Center. In these roles, I focused on addressing accessibility and equity issues, enhancing my problem-solving skills and deepening my understanding of the diverse challenges within our community. Outside of Wesleyan, I lead Tujikaze, a mentorship program for young female athletes in rural Kenya. This initiative holds a special place in my heart as it empowers these young women to achieve their full potential. I am eager to apply my technological skills and passion for community service to continue making a meaningful impact.

Education

Wesleyan University

Bachelor's degree program
2021 - 2025
  • Majors:
    • Computer Science

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Master's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Computer Software

    • Dream career goals:

      Sports

      Cross-Country Running

      Club
      2018 – Present6 years

      Public services

      • Advocacy

        Wesleyan FGLI Advisory Board — Program management
        2022 – Present
      JJ Savaunt's Women In STEM Scholarship
      For a long time, I did not believe in God. Growing up in rural Kenya, my skepticism was fueled by the harsh realities that surrounded me. Despite daily prayers, my family struggled to make ends meet, and it seemed that the divine was indifferent to the plight of my community. This was compounded by a perception that many religious teachings were not aligned with the African experience, which distanced me further from faith. However, my time in a US college has been a period of significant spiritual and personal growth. Surrounded by diverse perspectives and engaged in deeper theological discussions, I began to see faith from a new angle—one that considers the broader, more inclusive dimensions of spirituality. This exposure has helped mend my relationship with God and transformed my faith into a source of strength and resilience. I have come to recognize that my earlier disillusionment was a part of my journey—a path that has led me to a more profound and personal understanding of my beliefs. Interactions with peers and mentors from various cultural and religious backgrounds exposed me to different modes of thinking and worship, gradually softening my skepticism. These experiences taught me to appreciate faith as a dynamic journey, filled with questions, doubts, and importantly, a community of seekers. The contrast between my upbringing and my experiences abroad has offered me unique insights into the nature of faith and hardship. Growing up, poverty seemed like a clear sign that either God did not exist or simply did not care. Over time, I've learned to view these challenges as part of a larger narrative that includes growth, resilience, and the human capacity for overcoming adversity. This shift was not easy; it required confronting deep-seated beliefs and opening myself to new interpretations of what it means to lead a meaningful life. My academic pursuits in computer science, which often emphasize the rational and the tangible, surprisingly became a conduit for exploring the metaphysical aspects of existence. Learning about the complex order and seemingly miraculous nature of life and the universe prompted me to reconsider the possibility of a grander design and a designer. This exploration has not only reconciled my views on faith and science but also helped me find peace with my past experiences with poverty and injustice. This transformation was not immediate but evolved through numerous conversations, reflections, and moments of enlightenment. My journey of faith has significantly shaped my worldview and my interactions with others. It has instilled a deeper empathy in me toward the struggles and beliefs of others and has motivated me to engage more actively in community service and social justice initiatives. By reconciling my faith with my scientific pursuits, I have found a unique equilibrium where both can coexist, enhancing rather than contradicting each other. This synthesis of knowledge and belief continues to inspire and guide me as I prepare to step into a future where I hope to contribute meaningfully to both technological advancements and societal well-being.